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A cancer diagnosis is still a very frightening event in anyone’s life While fear can subdue one’s will to survive, one should remember that with early detection and treatment, the cancer can be defeated.

There are several types of cancer, and even in a smaller subset such as skin cancer there’s more than one type.

Skin cancer can take either the form of a carcinoma or melanoma. As the name suggests, the melanoma is a form of skin cancer that begins in the melanocytes. Melanomas can metastasise (invade other parts of the body) unlike carcinomas, but luckily are rarer than the other types of skin cancer. The most common forms of skin cancer are basal and squamous cell carcinomas.

How can basal and squamous cells and melanocytes be identified? The epidermis (top layer of the skin) is composed of three types of cells: Squamous cells - An upper layer of thin, flat cells. Basal cells - Round cells just under the squamous cells. Melanocytes - The makers of melanin, the pigment that colours skin.

Risk factors for skin cancer include having fair skin, chronic inflammations or ulcers, scars or burns, having had radiation therapy and being exposed to a lot of either artificial (as in tanning booths) or natural UV rays. Keep in mind that just because one of the risk factors applies to you, it doesn’t mean that you will certainly get skin cancer. However, there is a chance of forming a skin cancer in the absence of any visible risk factors.

One of the best ways of preventing skin cancer is by minimizing damage to the skin through overexposure to sunlight, so wearing sunscreen is recommended. Also, the sooner a cancer is caught and treated, the higher the chances of success. Skin cancer looks different depending on which type it is, so if anything suspicious is spotted, it’s a good idea to see a physician and get a professional opinion.


 
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